Danville Express

Perspective - May 15, 2009

Measure C is first step toward funding education

Less than 24 hours after the Measure C victory celebrations, the school board was back at the drawing board. Although the $7 million will be a big help, especially with the old parcel tax expiring, it's no panacea for all the school district's financial woes.

Now school officials are pleading with voters to pass Propositions 1A and 1B on Tuesday's ballot to benefit education. Some school parents who worked hard to pass Measure C are disappointed that the positive outcome was not a cure-all for what ails the schools. But as long as the State is $42 billion short for its budget, school cutbacks are to be expected.

Prop 1B would make up for earlier cuts in state funding, sending $9.3 billion to schools throughout the State, but only if voters also approve Proposition 1A, which would extend recent tax increases for up to two years. The money would be given to schools in increments starting in the year 2011-12.

The California Federation of Teachers and the California School Boards Association support 1B but oppose 1A. Apparently the groups want to show that although they are in support of more money for school districts and community colleges, they do not like extending taxes to pay for it. They want voters to back Prop 1B so they will be on record as supporting education during future budget battles.

The school district knew all along that passing Measure C was but one step toward solvency and retaining programs that give our children a quality education. It passed, showing that the schools are important to residents in the San Ramon Valley Unified School District, whether because they feel society should provide a good education or because they are worried that declining schools would negatively affect their house values.

The next step is passing Props 1A and 1B. A Yes vote on 1B would show your support for education, but a Yes vote on both 1B and 1A would show you're willing to pay for it.